<p>the why essay is listed as optional</p>
<p>how bad would it hurt my chances of getting in if I did not submit this?</p>
<p>it cant hurt, only helps</p>
<p>I'm applying to a couple of schools where essays are optional, and many students/teachers have told me to just leave it out, especially if you are not a great writer or have interesting ideas to say, because in that case it can Hurt your chances.</p>
<p>If you know specific reasons as to why you want to go there, DO IT.</p>
<p>If it is going to be lame, i.e. "Duke is a great place to learn..." DON'T DO IT</p>
<p>plain and simple</p>
<p>I do have specific reasons but I am busy fixing my other supplements that have mandatory essays</p>
<p>I don't want to give them something half-assed but if I don't write it, that will be a very good reason for them to reject me: lack of interest</p>